Do you consider yourself a foodie? Are there places around town that you absolutely can’t wait to try? Are some of those places just a bit out of your price range?

NEVER FEAR, DOWNTOWN DINING WEEK IS (ALMOST) HERE!

Downtown Dining Week, which runs June 5-12 this year, gives locals and visitors alike an opportunity to try three-course lunches and dinners from their favorite restaurants at a discounted price! Lunches are available for $12.50 and dinners cost $25 or $35.

This fantastic week of food is a phenomenal opportunity to try out that new restaurant you’ve been eyeing up for months or your favorite backyard burger joint that you just can’t seem to get enough of.

There is literally a restaurant option for every distinguished foodie pallet. So what are you waiting for? Check out the Downtown Dining Week website for a full list of participating restaurants.

Milwaukee is finally reaching those high temperatures, just in time for Memorial Day weekend. While it is an extended weekend, first and foremost it is an opportunity to honor our troops and the men and women who have given their lives defending our country.

It wouldn’t be Memorial Day without a parade, so be sure to catch Milwaukee’s at 2pm on Monday, May 26. To snag the best view, find a seat along the route, which starts at the intersection of 4th Street and Wisconsin Avenue and heads east towards the War Memorial Center.

As the unofficial start to the summer, this weekend is the perfect time to bust out the grill, head outside, and explore the city.

Instead of firing up the grill in the backyard, take the chance to head to a local community park. Bring a ball and some lounge chairs and you’ve set yourself up for an enjoyable afternoon. Don’t know where to go? Check out Lake Park, voted the Best of Milwaukee 2012 Award Winner for Best Public Park. You can also find a complete list of parks here.

Not feeling the park? Bring the cookout over to Miller Park for a classic tailgate as the Brewers face the Orioles Monday, May 26. Beginning at 10am, the 2014 Diversity & Valor Memorial Day Tailgate will offer complimentary food and beverages and the first few attendees to arrive will receive a special Brewers commemorative item. Not a bad deal.

For those with little ones, check out Gift of Wings' Family Kite Festival, a two-day event that kicks off Saturday, May 24 in Veterans Park. Not only will you see plenty of new performers and spectacular kites this year, the festival is also free with plenty of free parking. (Hours: Saturday, 10am-6pm; Sunday, 10am-5pm)

Any other Memorial Day Weekend plans you think need a shout out? Let us know!

Are you a chocolate or vanilla person? Moosetracks or mint chocolate chip? Or wait, maybe you don’t have a favorite but you just love ice cream in general. Whichever flavor it is, I can guarantee you will develop a new favorite pick once you’ve had a lick of Kopp’s Frozen Custard. That’s right, it’s not just the boring old ice cream, but it’s the real custard.

A true landmark, and now hotspot, in the Metro Milwaukee area, Kopp’s was established in 1950 and is the place to go for the best custard you’ve ever had. Personally, I frequent the original location on North Port Washington Road in Glendale.

If you were to ask me what my favorite flavor is, I would struggle to answer you. I generally go for plain vanilla when I get ice cream. But this is not ice cream – it is far better than that. It’s not even custard – it’s better than that.

This is Kopp’s Frozen Custard. It is something indescribable.

It’s a challenge to pick one favorite flavor because Kopp’s featured options change daily, making my head spin from the tough decision. The last dessert that I had from Kopp’s was a Rocky Road Sundae.

Now, normally I don’t love chocolate custard by itself. But that, that was like no other bowl-full I’ve ever tasted. It had crunchy, roasted almonds and ultra-gooey marshmallows, which are all dropped into this rich, deep chocolate custard. It was heaven in my mouth. Need I say more?

Now that I’ve ranted about its amazing custard, I should probably move onto Kopp’s food options. It’s customary to eat lunch or dinner before dessert, right? Kopp’s is also known for its chicken and burgers. I’d recommend a regular burger with relish, tomatoes, lettuce and ketchup. That’s my favorite.

Okay, so there is a bit more to Kopp’s than just food. Its huge cow statues that line the wall of the parking lot are a blast to take photos with. I love going with my family, ordering my custard, sitting in between the cows outside and watching all the people walk by. It’s a great family-bonding experience.

But now it is time for you to decide your favorite burger and custard. Insider tip: try not to drool while standing in line reading the menu. You may get a few stares. Can’t say I didn’t warn you!

So, next time you’re in Brookfield, Greenfield or Glendale, grab your family, scope out a Kopp’s location, and get ready for a little bit of heaven.

Here at VISIT Milwaukee we are celebrating National Travel & Tourism Week (May 3-11) and we are giving away a “staycation” in MKE, in honor of this special week. The week-long campaign is designed to encourage you, a Milwaukee local, to spread the word about the city’s many amazing attractions.

Throughout this week you can submit unlimited images and comments showcasing your favorite Milwaukee destinations to our Twitter, Instagram and Facebook with the hashtag “VisitMKE”. All entries must be in by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, May 11. One lucky winner will receive a one-night stay at Hotel Metro, a $100 SURG Restaurant Gift Card to be used at any of its eight locations and a $100 Uber car credit to be used whenever/wherever you may please.

A winner will be chosen on Monday, May 12, and announced on both the VISIT Milwaukee Facebook and Twitter.

TOUR YOUR TOWN FOR NATIONAL TRAVEL & TOURISM WEEK

In addition to the contest, we have also teamed up with Uber to provide YOU free rides on Saturday, May 10, to some great Milwaukee tourist destinations. Uber patrons can use the TOURMKE promo code when riding to and from any of the following locations from 10 a.m. until midnight:

**Uber rides will be available from 10 a.m. until midnight, but please check hours for each participating location.

Uber is a smartphone app that allows you to request a ride with the touch of a button. Existing Uber users can enter TOURMKE in the promotions tab in-app. New to Uber? Download the app on your mobile device and enter code TOURMKE or visit Uber.com/go/tourMKE. The code is valid for two free rides up to $25 each. You must begin or end your trip at the participating venues.

One thing you will quickly learn about me is that I love - I mean really love - a good brunch. It’s an opportunity to have a classy alcoholic drink before the infamous 5 o’clock somewhere expression. Brunch also allows you to gorge yourself, as you are technically eating two meals at once.

So when the opportunity for an extra special brunch arrives, I simply cannot pass it up. Mother’s Day is one such opportunity. Aspiring to be ahead of the reservation game, I enlisted the help of my co-workers for some fantastic bunch spot recommendations. Consequently, my inbox is full to the brim with Milwaukee Mother’s Day brunch options.

Because I simply cannot not eat that much, or physically be in that many places at once, I thought I would extend a brunch invitation to all of you, so that no recommendation goes to waste.

Here are some of my favorites! Happy Mother’s Day Brunching and more!

The Traditional Brunch:

Envoy, in the Ambassador Hotel, will be hosting a Mother’s Day Champagne Brunch with a prime rib caving station, made-to-order omelets, waffle bar and assorted homemade desserts in addition to its full brunch menu.

Looking for something a bit more casual? On Mother’s Day, Ugly’s Pub is launching an amazing new American Fusion brunch menu and opening up its new rooftop deck. Don’t forget about the $10 bottomless mimosas!!

Finally, all Lowlands Group Grand Cafés will be offering one free “mom-mosa” or glass of champagne and a rose to all mothers who come in for brunch.

Alternative Brunch Ideas:

Learn to cook with mom at a special Mother/Daughter culinary lesson at Braise on Friday, May 9. You and your mom will learn how to make petite desserts that are perfect items to serve at your next party or gathering.

Take in Mother’s Day by sea, I mean lake, aboard the luxurious Harbor Lady. Take mom on a two-hour, Champagne Brunch Cruise! Reserve your seats soon, because both seatings sell out every year.

Kick off American Craft Beer Week and Mother’s Day at Sprecher’s craft beer and paint event. Attendees will receive a brewery tour and two hours of guided instruction from a Splash Studio artist while painting and sipping on a brew.

Fancy a bloody mary over champagne? Take mom on the “Bloody Third Ward” Bloody Mary Brunch Tour by Milwaukee Food Tours. This tour is complete with brunch items, drinks, history and new-found friends.

Family-Friendly Mother’s Day Options:

If you want to stick to a more traditional brunch, but equally delicious, head over to IL MITO East for its build your own bloody mary bar, healthy kid’s menu and Chef Feker’s signature globally-inspired Sunday Brunch menu.

Make a weekend of Mother’s Day. ComedySportz will be offering all moms free tickets to Friday and Saturday shows on May 9th and 10th.

If you’re looking for a more educational experience, head on over to the Milwaukee Public Museum for face painting, scavenger hunts and a complimentary dessert for mom with a paid lunch!

Last, but certainly not least, moms can take their little (or adult) children to Old World Wisconsin for a historic brunch. Moms even receive free museum admission!

VISIT Milwaukee is an award-winning convention & visitors bureau providing information on premier events, hotel accommodations, transportation, restaurants and fun things to do in Milwaukee, Wisconsin! Experience the warm hospitality of Milwaukee's local businesses. We hope to see you soon!